a mississippi nine

For the first time in recent memory, we could actually field a full team of current big leaguers with Mississippi connections. Start with Eli Whiteside (Delta State) behind the plate, then it’s Marcus Thames (East Central CC) at first base, Matt Tolbert (Ole Miss) at second, Edwin Maysonet (DSU) at shortstop, Bill Hall (Nettleton) at third and an outfield of Seth Smith (Ole Miss), Fred Lewis (Gulf Coast CC) and Chris Coghlan (Ole Miss). For starting pitchers, how about Cliff Lee (Meridian CC), Roy Oswalt (Holmes CC) and Paul Maholm (Mississippi State). Jonathan Papelbon (MSU) is the closer. Brandon Medders (MSU), Brent Leach (DSU) and Tony Sipp (Gulf Coast CC) can handle middle relief. There’s a backup catcher in Paul Phillips (Meridian CC), but not much else for a bench until (or unless) David Dellucci (Ole Miss), Jason Smith (Meridian CC), Joey Gathright (Hattiesburg) and Jonathan Van Every (Itawamba CC) get recalled. It’s not exactly an All-Star cast, or even a good fantasy team, but it might give the Washington Nationals a good series.